A hydration researcher at Stanford University claimed that the "8 glasses of water a day" rule has no scientific basis despite being "tried and tested" by many. 

Stacy Sims, a PH.D and exercise physiologist at Stanford University said to Men's Health that there is no scientific method behind those numbers, and does not even take into account the gender, environment, altitude and fitness level of the water consumer, as such factors could affect the fluid intake needs of the person.

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Drinking huge volumes of fluid without considering such factors may also pose risks to one's health, even to the health buffs.

Sims, added that it can lead to hyponatremia, or condition where sodium in the blood is lower than normal because it is diluted with water. Hyponatremia leads to several mild sickness, such as headaches, nausea and bloating, or worse, it can lead to seizures, organ failure and even death.

Drinking a lot of fluids per day does not always guarantee hydration as Dr. Sims says that some of the drinks marketed as hydrating fluids are causing consumers to become dehydrated.

She added that drinks that have high level of sugars and additives has more solutes in it compared to what we naturally have in our blood, and due to this, our body has to take its own fluid to dilute it so it can be absorbed.

Drinking too much water may also just make one to urinate often instead of absorbing the fluid. Sims explained that the body has a natural volume response that causes a person to pee.

To check if you are well-hydrated, Stacy Sims suggests seven ways to monitor your body hydration:

1. Monitor your weight daily, for at least a week.

2. Observe the color of your pee. A clear urine means you have absorbed enough fluids.

3. When you wake up thirsty, it means you lack fluid consumption.

4. Drink sports and energy drinks that are labelled "low sugar."

5. Drinking coffee, tea, watery fruits and vegetables also contribute to fluid intake.

6. The more you drink, the more you intake fluid for the day. Consume in little amounts.

7. Aim to drink a non-water fluid at least once a day. 

Tagsspors drinks, dehydration, overhydration